Long time since I updated this thread. In short I finally got the rear axel assembly sorted the bearings as well as the height adj were shot so I ended up taking it down to Armadale mower world (Perth WA) who sourced all the parts and rebuilt it for me. In the meantime I
1. removed everything.
a sanded back the bars (left some patina)
b. service the carb
c. replaced the head (the previous owner had put in the wrong plug and cross threaded)
d. replaced the plug, all rubber seals, (crank, manifold, carb and diaphragm)
e. replaced drive belt
f. sanded and painted (drive cover, tank stand, replaced all bolts, nuts, screws and air filter)
g. installed a new air filter cover + new filter and foam filter.
h. replaced the blade holder the original had been damaged and was unsafe to use. Interesting this model does not use the standard two blade unit the standard unit
(which I purchased) is to shallow and will not tighten as a workaround I used some compression washers up behind plate to hold it fast. its not ideal this mower will only
see occasional use however in the interest of perfectionism if anyone knows the correct part number or had the correct blade plate for a 88 mustang 20 please pm me.
i. also the blades were incorrect they were from an 18 so I fitted the correct 20in blades.
j. finally a good degrease and clean before reassembly oh and used a bit of Jb to fix up the previous owners attempt at fixing the lift mech.
k. still to do: I still have to sand back and redo the grass deflector/ rear door.
what I learnt.
a. dismantle everything dirt grub and crap will be everywhere (especially under the drive cover I was astounded how it was even working with the caked up junk under there)
b. the blade plate was a bitch to get off there is not as much clearance between the base of the chassis and the blade plate I ended up with a modified hole punch with a grinded down handle to slip in better to hold the drive shaft behind the plate), a lot of heat on the nut and a rattle gun to get it off.
c. as mentioned above the dimensions of the blade plate seem the exact same as all the other two strokes but the thickness is different at the shaft mount (again if anyone
knows or has the correct part number please comment) as mentioned above as a workaround I used compression washers between the plate and shaft but i am no
engineer so cannot say how safe that practice it for extended use.
d. you cant get official clutch cable so oil that up as best as possible (unless someone knows of a alternative part avail)
will do a new post in show and tell soon with all the images
and on a final note I absolutely love this mower cuts like a champ and goes through anything.
Last edited by Ttocs1980; 09/05/22 07:00 PM.
